Stillwater preservation efforts to be honored

Longtime Stillwater preservationist Howard Lieberman will be honored Tuesday at the Stillwater City Council meeting for his contributions to preservation efforts in the city.

Lieberman, 64, is one of several individuals and businesses that will be recognized by the city's Heritage Preservation Commission as part of National Preservation Month.

Lieberman served on the Heritage Preservation Commission for 22 years, including a 10-year stint as chairman, before stepping down last year. He is a legal consultant who represents law firms in the area of expansion and merger.

"We're very fortunate in Stillwater because -- partially through hard work and partially through luck -- we have managed to maintain many of the historic properties in town," Lieberman said. "The key has been to find a way to maintain the historic integrity of Stillwater, while also keeping an eye on the future. History isn't a specific moment in time. It's an evolving concept, and if you are afraid to be innovative and think about tomorrow, you will be weighed down by the past and that doesn't serve anybody's interest."

Also honored:

--Chris Rustad and Vicky Simon, for the residential rescue and restoration of 220 W. Chestnut St.

-- The HAF Group, for construction of the new commercial structure at 233 S. Main St.

-- St. Johns Lodge No. 1, for its facade restoration at 113 S. Main St.